This will be the last Newsletter of 2016 and it contains some mixed news.

Firstly, the good news. Apart from the news that Tipperary are willing to run an Endurance event later in 2017, there is now some interest in Endurance events from the Wexford club and I have made a provisional arrangement to go down to speak to them in the New Year.

The news on the ALMC event on 18/02/17 is more mixed. The club had decided to give Luttrellstown a miss this year. The 2016 fee of almost €4,000 was pushing the entry fee to an unacceptable level, although the venue was outstanding. A move of event-base to Fairyhouse Racecourse would have reduced the entry fee to €195, a saving to the competitor of €70. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, Motorsport Ireland have not agreed terms with their insurers and the entry fee cannot be set until we hear what the event insurance will cost and there are rumours of a significant hike in premiums.

Back to the good news – Mazda MX5s will be allowed into a new, Mazda MX5 only class. The only regulations specific to this class are:

Steel roof.

Must be securely fixed to body, either by bolting or stitch welding, to the satisfaction of the scrutineers.

Four point harness mandatory – Clubman type, not necessarily special stage multi-point central buckle type, although these are acceptable.

No cage required.

No helmets required, unless roll-cage fitted.

No rally seats required, unless roll-cage fitted.

Also, because of the scarcity of suitable tyres, Yokohama A021R tyres will be allowed in the RWD Historic class.

We expect to have 20 selectives on the ALMC event, about 80% of which will be tarmac.

To encourage newcomers into Endurance Trials, there will be special prize for the best beginner. A beginner is someone who never held a competition licence before 2017 and has never competed in any event, including Targa Rallies. The prize will consist of two trophies (The Thomas Shaw Award) and, more importantly, either a half day in a 1400 c.c. car, (eligible for both Special Stages and Endurance Trials), or an hours testing on a selective, (subject to availability). Both crew members can participate and the award is open to competitors in all classes.

The championship will be held again. We are currently seeking a sponsor and I will let everyone know asap.